Free H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinics to Open Statewide on Friday, Jan. 8

Anyone May Attend; Walk-Ins are Welcome

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- All Pennsylvanians are urged to take advantage of free H1N1 flu shots to be offered by the Department of Health on Friday, Jan. 8, and Saturday, Jan. 9, at 33 locations across the state.

The statewide clinics will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To ensure adequate vaccine supplies, people are encouraged to make an appointment at www.h1n1inpa.com. However, walk-ins are welcome.

In addition to offering the vaccine to any Pennsylvanian who wants it, the department continues to urge those in the priority groups to be vaccinated against H1N1. They include pregnant women; persons six months to 24 years old; healthcare providers and emergency medical services personnel; parents, household members and caregivers of children under six months; and those under 65 years with certain underlying medical conditions.

With National Influenza Vaccination Week, or NIVW, to be observed from Jan. 10-16, the department reminds Pennsylvanians that getting vaccinated is the single best way for individuals to avoid contracting or spreading the flu. The national observation highlights the importance of getting vaccinated with the seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1 flu vaccine.

Flu activity -- caused either by the H1N1 virus or regular seasonal flu viruses -- is expected to continue for months.

For more information about H1N1, visit www.H1N1inPA.com or call 1-877-PA HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).

Media contact: Stacy Kriedeman, 717-787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health